NLRP3 and mood disorder: The role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of depression and mood disorders has been demonstrated in both animal models and patients.70–75 Peripheral diseases can activate NLRP3 inflammasome in the brain, leading to depression in rats.71 The expression of both NLRP3 and caspase-1 was shown to be increased in peripheral mononuclear cells from patients with major depressive disorder.73 Of note, depression is also associated with CVDs.